LEARN ABOUT
Sick Building Syndrome
THE UNKNOWN ILLNESS
What is Sick Building Syndrome?
Sick building syndrome occurs often but is not frequently diagnosed because many are not aware of the official definition of the condition. The official definition of sick building syndrome according to the Environmental Protection Agency is:
"A situation in which the building occupants experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified."
Many homes built today are constructed to be as energy-efficient as possible. Additionally, homes are becoming increasingly airtight. Although that may help with energy efficiency, it can often lead to indoor air quality issues that contribute to sick building syndrome. Homes that are airtight often lack adequate ventilation, meaning the building envelope cannot breathe and the indoor air becomes polluted because of less air exchanges between the indoor and outdoor air. Conversely, older homes were often constructed utilizing practices that neglect indoor air quality and create conditions that sustain fungal growth. It’s important to understand the many different contributing factors to avoid sick building syndrome.
DO YOU KNOW
Causes of Sick Building Syndrome
Understanding the contributing factors to SBS is crucial for mitigating its effects. Some of the most common contributors to Sick Building Syndrome include water damage, HVAC systems, lack of humidity control, spray foam insulated attics and foundation issues. Each of these factors can play a significant role in compromising the health and well-being of individuals in affected buildings.
Inadequate Ventilation
Mold Contamination
Water Damage
Poor Indoor Air Quality
Chemical Contaminants
Poor Foundation Water Drainage
Leaky Air Ducts
Elevated Humidity
Poorly Sealed Attics
Leaky Crawl Space Encapsulation
Condensation in Walls
Presence of Volatile Organic Compounds
Gas Leaks
Poor Building Science
Water Damage
Water damage can occur throughout any area of the home for various reasons. Water leaks can allow for fungal growth if not quickly addressed, allowing mold to remain hidden and difficult to find. Two common misconceptions are 1) Hidden mold behind walls and underneath floors cannot become airborne. 2) If the water source has been addressed, there’s no longer a concern for mold growth.
Despite the misconceptions, hidden mold can become airborne and infiltrate the living environment through various cracks, gaps and crevices such as receptacles, light fixtures, or gaps in the flooring. Furthermore, mold that no longer has a water source and becomes dried out can become airborne more easily as its spores become lighter and break off into numerous fragments.
STAY VIGILANT FOR THESE
Signs of Mold in Your Home
One of the most common causes of sick building syndrome is biological contaminants, such as mold, in the home.
Mold can have a significant impact on your health, but it is often overlooked as the cause of illnesses. Mold can be an invisible intruder, growing behind and around what you can see such as attics, crawl spaces, wall cavities, basements, furnaces, ducts, and around foundations. However, there are common signs you can look for to control the growth within your home.
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Musty Odor
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Stains on Walls or Ceilings
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Peeling Wallpaper or Paint
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Moisture or Condensation on Walls or Windows
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Visible Green, Black, White, Blue, Pink, Red, or Brown Mold
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Cracked Caulking
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Damaged Baseboards
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Cupped Flooring
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Rotted Window Sills/Door Frames
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Mold Exposure Symptoms
DO YOU KNOW THE
Symptoms of Mold Exposure
If you are suffering from sick building syndrome, you may experience a range of symptoms that often manifest during your time inside a particular building and improve or disappear after leaving the environment.
Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and difficulty concentrating, which can significantly affect your productivity and overall well-being. Respiratory issues such as coughing, sneezing, and shortness of breath, along with irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat, are also frequent complaints. Some individuals may feel unusually fatigued or develop skin irritation such as rashes or dryness. These symptoms can vary widely among individuals and make sick building syndrome a challenging condition to diagnose and address.
